Metz 45 CL-4 & D200?

[Maisiemouse]

I've borrowed a Metz 45 CL-4 for a few days, with a view to buying it. So far I'm really impressed with the light quality & power (makes my SB600 look like a candle by comparison). It has the SCA 3000 adapter and a SCA3402 hot shoe, which means it should be Nikon-compatible. It works fine with a D50, but when I try and use it with a D200 it won't fire. I can use the PC connector and make it fire in manual mode, but I'd like to make use of the Metz sensor to help out with exposures.

Any clues? Is there a setting on the D200 that will make it recognise the flash?

Sean

[easternherp]

The adapter may need to be changed or a setting on it. Have a look on the Metz site

[Maisiemouse]

Thanks for the reply.

I think I've found a workaround - If I use the PC connector and set the D200 to aperture priority, I can just set the corresponding aperture on the flash dial. Seems to work ok.

What I can't get over is the quality of light from this unit. I've been using the SB600/D200 in iTTL mode, and it doesn't even get close to the Metz. There's a certain warmth to the images - not false or too orange, just a subtle late afternoon sun feeling (don't know if this makes sense).

Sean

[easternherp]

I know what you mean. I use the Metz 54MZ4i on my S3 and it produces a lovely light. The 45CL models are a bit long in the tooth now and I think that they do not always work with the newer model camera's. I would certainly check the metz site.

[SteveH]

The metz 45cl4 is not compatible with the D200 but will work fine in auto mode mode. So don't waste money on getting a new SCA unit as it won't make any difference - can use the basic hot-shoe connector with the SCA 3000. If you want the TTL mode then I'm afraid it's time to up grade to the newer digital version.

Steve

[Maisiemouse]

Steve

Thanks for sorting that one - I had sort of guessed but it's good to hear it from someone here.

I seem to have found a good 'general' setting for the D200/Metz. With the D200 in manual mode set at 1/60 @f5.6 and the Metz set at f5.6 (or larger if it's bounced) I get consistently great exposures 95% of the time. This includes shooting outdoors in daylight (as fill flash), indoors in a window-lit room and even in a pitch-dark room at night. It just seems to work - it's great.

Sean

[SteveH]

I've been using the metz for years and found it very consistent. I set the camera to manual 1/60 and then set the aperture to whatever eg f8 and dial in the light output with the metz set to Auto. +1 stop for bounce and -1 or -2 for fill. I also have found the separate battery holder useful which takes AA cells for if/when the rechargeables run out. A great flash and kicks out a lot of light but can be a bit heavy around the neck after a long day. But don't do as I have and forget about the AAA cells in the SCA 3000 unit! Wondered why the metz died during one shoot - those cells had been in there for 3 years and I'd forgotten about them.

Steve